Created: 1/31/2008 12:34:34 PM 
By Ryan Duffy First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced the return of its anti-crime fighting program, Operation Safe Streets.
Sheriff John Rutherford says the program was successful the first time it was used in 2006, reducing the murder rate 38%.
The City Council approved $3 million for the program, primarily to pay overtime for more officers to patrol in certain targeted neighborhoods.
Rutherford says he has selected 12 specific high crime neighborhoods and will put as many as 70 additional officers in one of them every day.
"I want two things to come out of Operation Safe Streets -- put the bad guys in jail or run them the hell out of town," says Rutherford.
In a news conference Thursday morning, Rutherford stressed community involvement and participation in the JSO's gun bounty program to make Operation Safe Streets successful.
He says what his department most needs is to hire 225 more officers but that $3 million is a good start.
"It's just a bridge, I can't wait for another 123 people to die before we get Operation Safe Streets up and running in full capacity," says Rutherford.
If you want to turn in someone who is carrying a gun illegally, call First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS. You'll remain anonymous. Gun bounties pay $1,000.
©2010 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
